Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Harsh Vardhan Shringla Pays Tribute to Major Durga Malla
Harsh Vardhan Shringla attended a special ceremony for the Gorkha community.
The ceremony was held at the Parliament Complex.
It remembered Major Durga Malla, a brave Gorkha freedom fighter.
Major Malla worked for the Indian National Army.
The British captured him after intelligence missions.
He was executed in Delhi on 25 August 1944, when he was 31.
The day is called Balidan Diwas and is observed every year on 25 August.
Shringla also spoke about jobs, education and livelihood programmes for people in Darjeeling Hills and North Bengal.
He said discussions were continuing about the community’s long-standing aspirations and a constitutional resolution.
MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla attended the 83rd Balidan Diwas at the Parliament Complex as chief guest.
The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangha organised the gathering to honour Gorkha contributions and sacrifices.
Balidan Diwas is observed annually on 25 August in memory of Major Durga Malla.
Major Malla, a Gorkha freedom fighter and Indian National Army hero, was executed by the British on 25 August 1944.
Shringla highlighted employment, coaching and livelihood initiatives, along with discussions about a constitutional resolution for the Gorkha community.
- Who
- MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangha and members of the Gorkha community; the tribute honoured Major Durga Malla.
- What
- The 83rd Balidan Diwas was observed with tributes to Major Durga Malla and recognition of Gorkha sacrifices.
- When
- The event was held on Tuesday; Balidan Diwas is observed annually on 25 August, and Major Malla was executed on 25 August 1944.
- Where
- The ceremony took place at the Parliament Complex; Major Malla faced the gallows in Delhi.
- Why
- To honour Major Malla’s sacrifice and the Gorkha community’s contributions to India, while discussing community development and its long-standing aspirations.
- Event
- 83rd Balidan Diwas
- Date of observance
- 25 August annually
- Honoured figure
- Veer Shaheed Major Durga Malla
- Year of execution
- 1944
- Age at execution
- 31
- Employment initiative
- Rozgar Melas have facilitated opportunities for more than 3,000 youth from the region.
- Other programmes
- DWS Utkarsh offers free competitive-exam coaching, while alternative livelihood programmes support sustainable opportunities, including for communities affected by closed tea gardens.